Yankeetown & Inglis Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a quiet corner of Old Florida, you’ll find it tucked along the Withlacoochee River in Levy County. Yankeetown is one of the smallest communities in the state, with a peaceful, laid-back charm. Turn off US-98 onto Follow That Dream Parkway, named after the 1961 Elvis Presley movie filmed in the area, and you’ll land in a little slice of Florida paradise.
1. Grab Breakfast in Inglis
Begin your morning at LolliPops Café & Bakery at Nature Coast Inn & Cottages in Inglis, just outside Yankeetown. The biscuits and gravy are a great choice, and the fresh-baked goodies are hard to resist. I loved taking a pack of chocolate chip cookies for the road.
2. See the Withlacoochee River on a boat tour
A visit to the area isn’t complete without a tour on the Withlacoochee River. Captain Rick with Osprey Nature Tours offers a two-hour trip that starts at Blackwater Restaurant in Yankeetown, heads out toward the Gulf, and winds back through Bennetts Creek. Wildlife sightings are common. We saw manatees, alligators, osprey, spoonbills, and bald eagles.
3. Shop and dine in Yankeetown
When you get back to the dock, walk straight into Blackwater Restaurant. Every table overlooks the water, and the seafood is excellent. The steamed mussels and clams are great, and the bacon-wrapped shrimp is always a hit.
Across the road from Blackwater Restaurant, you’ll find Yankeetown Traders Gifts & More. It’s a fun place to browse for local gear, coastal décor, and Nature Coast-inspired finds.
4. Hike Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve
Take some time to explore Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve, a 400-acre stretch of coastal land with boardwalks, trails, and an observation tower. It’s open dawn to dusk, and the views alone make it worth the stop.
5. Take fresh local seafood home
Before you head out, swing by Brooks Dockside Seafood in Inglis for fresh, local seafood. If you time it right, you might even catch crews unloading the day’s haul. It’s a great way to end your trip with a true taste of the Nature Coast.
